Diabetes in dogs is on the rise — if your pup is facing a diagnosis or living with the condition, they’re not alone. While diabetes in dogs can’t be cured, you can still play a role in ensuring your dog lives their healthiest, happiest life.

Risk factors for diabetes in dogs are genetic and environmental. This makes diabetes a serious but manageable condition, especially when you take actions to improve the quality of their diet and lifestyle.

Whether your dog has just been diagnosed or you’re brushing up on ways to support them further down the track, Lyka’s expert guide has everything you need to know.

What is diabetes in dogs?

Diabetes is a disorder of the pancreas: the pancreas produces a hormone called insulin, which controls your dog’s metabolism. Metabolism is the process that turns food into energy.

Diabetes is a chronic disease affecting your dog’s ability to control blood sugar levels, which can lead to complications in other parts of the body.

There are three types of diabetes in dogs:

1. Type 1 diabetes (or insulin deficiency) is the most common type seen in dogs. It’s caused by the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas — leading to a chronic shortage of insulin that your dog is able to produce. Dogs with Type 1 diabetes require insulin injection therapy, to compensate for the lack of insulin they can produce themselves. Some dogs with Type 1 experience complications that appear like Type 2.

2. Type 2 diabetes (or insulin resistance) is rare in dogs. It means that some insulin is being produced, but it’s not playing the role that it should. Cells aren’t accessing the glucose and other nutrients, which produce the energy your dog needs. Some dogs have a combination of Type 2 and Type 1: as more cells get damaged, a dog could become purely Type 1.

3. Type 3 diabetes is rare, occurring due to insulin resistance caused by other hormones. It can be the result of pregnancy or hormone secreting tumours.

Dog diabetes symptoms: what to look out for

💡 Speak with your veterinarian if you notice your dog experiencing any of these symptoms of diabetes in dogs:

• Excessive thirst

• Increased urination

• Weight loss

• Increased appetite

• Cloudy eyes

• Blindness

What to do if your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes

If your dog has been diagnosed with diabetes, consider speaking to a holistic veterinarian: they can provide strategies like wellness monitoring programs and organ function tests, helping you to manage and prevent signs of diabetes in dogs.

Managing risk factors for diabetes in dogs

Diabetes in dogs has been linked to several risk factors, which can increase the likelihood of this condition.

Obesity

Dogs typically develop Type 1 diabetes — independent of excess weight. This differs from humans and cats, where obesity and insulin resistance has a strong link to Type 2 diabetes.

While there’s no direct causal link between your dog being overweight and more prone to developing diabetes, weight management still has its benefits for dogs diagnosed with diabetes. This is because:

- Obesity can contribute to insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can worsen Type 1 diabetes in pups that are already predisposed — making the condition more challenging to manage.

- Overweight dogs are more likely to face metabolic issues, and are more prone to other conditions (like pancreatitis or Cushing’s disease) that further disrupt insulin production and glucose regulation.

Portion control can support in maintaining a healthy weight: Lyka makes this easy, taking the guesswork out of mealtimes by providing custom serving sizes to suit your dog’s individual requirements.

Genetics

Genetic composition can play a role in diabetes, with some breeds being more prone to developing the condition. These include:

• Australian Terrier

• Border Terrier

• Bichon Frise

• German Shepherd

• Samoyed

• Silky Terrier

• West Highland White Terrier

Age

Old age is a risk factor for diabetes: this study found diabetes diagnoses were more common for dogs of 8 years and older.

Neutering status

Diabetes diagnosis is more likely in neutered male dogs, and female dogs not neutered (according to this study).

Previous medications

Dogs with a history of taking glucocorticoid (steroid) medication have increased risk of developing diabetes.

What’s the link between diabetes and nutrition?

When it comes to scientific evidence, there’s not been a clear link established between diabetes and diet as a cause.

While this means there are no foods that cause diabetes (or foods that directly support diabetes), there are still dietary changes you can make to prevent risk factors like inflammation, obesity, and pancreatitis in your dog.

Chronic inflammation may trigger autoimmunity, Cushing’s disease, urinary tract infections, pancreatitis, and/or obesity. These conditions can directly or indirectly lead to a diabetes diagnosis — so managing inflammation, and oxidative stress, is a key preventative measure against diabetes.

How to limit chronic inflammation in your dog through diet

To minimise inflammation, look for the following ingredients in dog food:

• Turmeric, which has well-established antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

• Fibrous ingredients like psyllium seed husk and quinoa can support a healthy metabolism, reducing digestive stress.

• High quality sources of omega-3 may have a protective effect on the pancreas¹,², while reducing inflammation in the body when included in the optimal omega 6:3 ratio. Look for ingredients like fish, flaxseed, and chia seeds.

• Antioxidants (found in foods like blueberries and raspberries can help reduce oxidative stress, limiting inflammation and with it, the potential impact of diabetes.

A high protein, low carbohydrate diet has been linked to effective weight management: unfortunately, most widely available options are highly processed, containing the opposite ratio (ie high carbohydrates, low protein). Kibble, for example, contains large amounts of carbohydrates to create that specific texture.

Lyka’s Customer Care can support you in assessing your diabetic dog’s needs: with in-house veterinary experts available over phone, email, or chat.

Diabetes FAQs

How to treat diabetes in pups?

Whilst incurable, diabetes is treatable and can be managed with veterinary advice, a healthy diet and exercise. It’s important to note that the method will depend on which type of diabetes your pup has, as they may require insulin injections.

How long do dogs live after diagnosed with diabetes?

Dogs diagnosed with diabetes can live a normal quality lifespan with proper management, including insulin therapy, a consistent diet, and regular exercise. The prognosis depends on factors like early detection and how well the diabetes is controlled. Many dogs live for years after diagnosis if they receive appropriate care. It is important to consider ways to prevent complications of diabetes and pay careful attention to other health issues such as dental disease, vision, mobility and brain health.

How to lower dogs blood sugar quickly?

To lower a dog’s blood sugar quickly, immediate veterinary care is essential. Administering insulin as prescribed by a vet is the primary treatment. In emergencies, like dangerously high blood sugar, intravenous fluids and insulin given by a vet can stabilize the condition, but home interventions should only follow professional guidance.

Why is my diabetic dog not eating?

A diabetic dog may refuse to eat due to nausea, infections, stress, or complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can cause a loss of appetite. It’s essential to contact a vet if your diabetic dog is not eating, as this can lead to dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar levels and requires prompt medical attention.

^{1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4425143/}

^{2 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0925443908001622}